Saturday, April 6, 2024
My sister-in-law Diana was a fiercely independent woman. In the fall of 2021, she suffered a life altering stroke and spent 2 months in intensive care. She amazed all her doctors and recovered to be able to be discharged from hospital and come live with her brother Jim and I.
By the spring of 2023 it was evident that Diana needed more activity and stimulation than our quiet home could provide and together we made the decision to move Diana into assisted living at The Melody. We asked Diana what color scheme she wanted for her new apartment and she chose Teal. Diana’s sister Judy and I went shopping and we created the prettiest decorated apartment for Diana. Jim installed a great closet organizer and room was found for Diana’s great love- clothes!! She had a great view out her window of the trees and squirrels. The apartment was bright, airy and hers.
Then came the part we could not control and that was how other residents would respond to Diana. Diana’s stroke had left her with difficulty communicating verbally. Although able to understand language, she was no longer able to express herself using the right words. We worried that residents and staff would lose patience as Diana searched for words to make herself understood. We worried that she would be eating her meals alone and not be able to make friends.
You guys wowed us! We were delighted and amazed to hear Diana’s stories about who she had meals with, went for walks with and went to activities and outings with. You shared your time and your friendship with Diana. You shared your dogs and allowed her to love on them.
When Diana’s health began to worsen, we had a discussion with her about the possibility that she may not be able to remain in her apartment. She became upset stating “this is my home!”. Diana stating “This is my home” is thanks to you the other residents and staff at The Melody. We, Diana’s family are so grateful and honored that you became Diana’s second family. Thank-you, for letting her be a part of your lives. Thank you for your friendships and for your time. Thank-you for your humor and laughing with her. Thank-you for visiting her while she was in hospital. Those visits meant the world to her and the stories you shared with us her 1st family meant the world to us.
Diana’s stroke did leave her with difficulty communicating but she had quips that she used frequently to get her point across. I will share some of them with you now so we can smile and remember Diana together:
“Tikketty Boo”
“My boy”
“Indeed”
“Okie Dokie”
“High Tail It”
“Skedaddles”
“Lets Rock and Roll”
“Count me In”
“Perfect”
“Dilly Dally”
“Who Knew”
“Right as Rain”
“TaaDaa!!”
And my 3 personal favorites:
“Fubar”
“One moment please”
“I call BS on that”
Thank you again from Diana’s family.
I love you Diana,
Therese McCormick
